Observed each year on March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility is a day to celebrate the courage it takes to live openly and authentically, while also recognizing the leadership of transgender and gender nonconforming trailblazers who have led the charge in the fight for equality.

From Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera to modern-day activists and “possibility models,” like Diego Sanchez, Janet Mock, Masen Davis, Laverne Cox, JoAnne Keatley and Cecilia Chung, to our proud trans brothers and sisters that serve as members of HRC steering committees, staff and on our board, like HRC Board of Director Meghan Stabler, we pay tribute to all those who have boldly shared their stories, spoken out against discrimination, and smoothed the path toward equality and acceptance for all those who follow in their footsteps.

The journey toward living openly and authentically looks different for everyone, and given the levels of violence and discrimination faced by transgender and gender nonconforming people, revealing and expressing one’s gender identity can be a complex and difficult process.

The HRC Foundation’s Transgender Visibility Guide is designed to help individuals and their loved ones through the coming out process in realistic and practical terms, providing guidance to meet the challenges and opportunities that living as authentically as possible can offer to each of us.

You can also check out HRC’s latest video series, “Debunking the Myths on Transgender Health & Well-Being” as well as a number of other transgender-specific workplace, healthcare and family resources at hrc.org/transgender.